🌱 Keath Killebrew Memorial Rodeo + CWD Management Controversy

Hello, everybody. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Jackson Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Humid with a thunderstorm. High: 89 Low: 73.

Here are the top three stories in Jackson today:

1. The inaugural Keath Killebrew Memorial Rodeo will arrive in Jackson on Jul. 28-29 at the Mississippi Coliseum. The rodeo will showcase various fan-favorite events such as bull riding, bareback bronc, calf roping, and barrel racing, alongside performances by country music artists Chapel Hart and Drake Milligan. The event aims to support the Keath Killebrew Charisma Award Fund, which provides scholarships to aspiring individuals interested in agricultural careers, honoring Killebrew, a Delta farmer and entrepreneur. You can purchase tickets and weekend passes for the rodeo here. (Clarion Ledger)
2. Controversy surrounds the expansion of the North Mississippi Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone, as additional areas are now included, eliciting mixed reactions. The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks voted against the recommendation of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks' staff to change regulations, leading to the zone only encompassing an approximately 10-mile radius around a CWD-positive deer. The updated CWD management zone boundaries extend to areas east of US 49 and Old Highway 61, south of Mississippi 4, north of US 279, and west of Mississippi 3, prompting both supportive and critical comments on the agency's Facebook page, with some equating CWD to COVID-19 as a scare tactic. (Clarion Ledger)
3. A man was arrested in Jackson by Capitol police after a search warrant led to the discovery of drugs and malnourished dogs inside a residence. The search yielded 31 pounds of marijuana, three pounds of Psilocybin mushrooms, THC wax, THC vape pens, various edibles, a firearm, over $7,000 in cash, and 24 malnourished dogs. The arrested individual, identified as 43-year-old Lewis Marshall, is facing charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and felony animal cruelty, with further charges anticipated. (WJTV)

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Today in and around Jackson:

Tuesday, July 11

• Painting With Bob Ross At The Quisenberry Library, Clinton (5:00 PM)
• Tuesday Night Jazz With The Raphael Semmes Quartet At Hal & Mal's (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Due to a lifeguard shortage, most public swimming pools in the City of Jackson are currently closed, with only the pool at Vine Street Park Facility open to the public from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Lifeguard shortages have been a nationwide issue, and despite a 46 percent pay increase approved by the city earlier this year, finding lifeguards remains challenging. You can check here for updates on the pool schedule. (Clarion Ledger)
• The JXN Film Festival returns on Jul. 23-28 at the Capri Theatre and is an annual celebration of independent filmmaking that offers educational training, film screenings, masterclasses, and community outreach. You can find more information and buy tickets here. (Visit Jackson)
• Are you a teacher or educator looking to earn continuing education units? The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science offers in-person workshops for teachers and educators of all subjects and grade levels, providing training on internationally recognized environmental education programs. For more information about workshops, click here. (Mississippi Museum of Natural Science via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.